In the Western world, we are used to jumping back in again right after we achieve something. We live in a workaholic culture that says our value is directly tied to our output. If you want to be valuable, you must constantly produce, right?

That’s an unhealthy way to look at life. It’s also a great way to get burned out.

The faith community has long recognized the value of rest. The book of Genesis tells us that God Himself, after working so hard on the six days of creation, took time to rest.

If God saw fit to take a day of rest, doesn’t it follow that we should do the same?

It’s important to build a day of rest into your weekly schedule. Not only that, you must rest each day by getting enough sleep. I also suggest taking a midday nap. Many of the world’s greatest thinkers and creatives had a regular napping habit.

Rest is not lazy. Rest is essential. Sometimes the very best thing you can do for your creativity and productivity is rest. You’re not Superman (or Superwoman) and you’re not God. You need your rest.

It just might be the most important thing you do today.

Question: Are you building rest into your daily and weekly schedule?